Anastrozole - Depression & Extreme fatigue

jackie1970

I had a double masectomy July 2020 after a surpise ductal carcinoma diagnosis. I was placed on Anastrozle and for the first month or two seemed fine on it. After the 3 rd month the joint stiffness started.  That I can push through, but what is really bothering me is the extreme fatigue and depression.  I get a good night sleep, but find myself in this sleep-walking state all day long. At times I can't even finish a sentance without forgetting words. 

Breast Cancer doesn't run in my family, genetic testing confirmed that.  I am at a point I just want to stop my treatments.  I read how women are on this for 5-7 years and there is no way I want to live this way for that long.  I would prefer to take my chances with the return of cancer than try and make it through each day.   Has anyone stopped treatment?  

I find it almost impossible to finish any task during the day and my slight ADD adult diagnoosis has only gotten worse while taking this drug. 

Is this all we have to look forward to?  Weight gain and feeling like we dont want to wake up tomorrow morning?  I chose the mesectomy to keep the cancer away, isn't loosing a part of my body enough?

 

ljsunflower

Hello Jackie

I am not on anastrozole so can't address those issues. I just wanted to tell you that I have felt like you and just wanted to stop the treatments also.

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer in June of last year. Went through chemo and lumpectomy and am now in radiation treatments. The chemo kicked my butt good and I was forced to stop before having the last treatment because of extreme exhaustion and neuropathy. There were many times during chemo that I thought about quitting. Depression was a part of that.

It is a choice and decision that we all have to face at some time. I will be praying for you as you make this decision.

Someone who has experience with this pill will be along any time now with some encouraging words and more info for you.

Linda